memorial foundation

Among the relationships we’ve developed with a wonderful group of non-profit organizations, Wesley House Family Services is special because it’s local. Adoption and foster care are privatized in Florida, and Wesley House is the only local organization that facilitates those services. Wesley House is a nationally accredited not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting and nurturing children, […]

Jose inspired me in so many ways. We all knew that Jose was a great fisherman, that much was obvious. But, what really struck me, was his willingness to stop and chat and really listen to what people had to say. In the midst of adoring fans and photo ops, he would block it all […]

I met the guys at their temporary home in Summerland Key. With an ocean view, hammock, kayaks, and snorkeling available in the back yard they were pumped. This trip was special for a number of reasons. One reason, Tabitha was going to be there. She is the woman I coordinate veteran’s trips with from […]

Each trip is special for different reasons. Always at the heart of these reasons are the families, and Dylan Blair’s was no exception. He brought with him his parents Jeff and April, along with his brother Matthew and sister Carly. They shared with us our first trip using the original Spanish Fly 34 foot Sea […]

At the “Wicked Tuna” premiere I got the chance to meet one of the newest personalities TJ Ott. TJ and his family have vacationed in the Keys for years, and we know a lot of the same people, but when I met him in person it was like we had been buddies for years. We […]

Good Friday of 2012 was also the day that Jose tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Everglades City. He called me at work before he took off, and asked what my plans were for Easter. Monday we were going to get together and I was going to make one his favorite dishes. […]

After delays, overbooked flights, and no connections available to Key West Ben’s family arrived to their temporary home in Summerland Key, are were greeted by a plethora of gear from Yeti, Shimano, Under Armour, and Costa. Two days of fishing with Captain Ryao Logan, and a shark tour with Kenny Harris were on Ben’s itinerary, […]

Retired Army Veteren Rudy, and Marine Veterans and cousins Edwin and Dave were welcomed to the Keys with swag gear from Costa Sunglasses, Shimano, UA, Yeti Coolers and even some awesome prints from our friend Doug in Kansas. Being the beginning of March hotels and vacation homes were hard to come by. I reached out, […]

Each year the Jose Wejebe Professional Guide Award is awarded to one of Hells Bay’s Certified Guides and Captains. The recipient is recognized for their work with conservation efforts, education of the sport, and professionalism in the angling community, and is presented at their Guide Rendezvous. Guides nominate their peers for the award, and Hell’s […]

Chase Collier Wish is Granted January 5, 2014 Chase’s wish to go fishing in the Florida Keys was granted on January 5, 2014. Some of you my be familiar with Captain Rush Maltz of who appeared numerous times on “Spanish Fly”, and also a National Geographic special called “Fish Frenzy”. Rush was one of Jose’s […]